A California-based high-tech and bio-tech law firm with 11 U.S. locations and two in Asia, totaling more than 500 lawyers, moved into a newly leased space to expand its offices and accommodate growth. The company chose Spacesaver library cantilever shelving with custom wood end panels in its new law library and mobile storage in filing areas.
The new law library, located on the second floor, incorporates a modern design motif with custom-designed tables, black lighting fixtures and an abundance of light from the windows lining both sides of the room.
“We were trying to create a library that was a light, airy place where people could go to do research without a lot of interruptions,” said Clinton Kennedy, director of administration.
To incorporate the Spacesaver shelving without detracting from the space, the designers recommended black shelving with natural maple end panels to match the rest of the interior space. The Spacesaver shelving provides function, while adding to the allure of the interior.
When planning the space for the law library, administrators and librarians had to decide whether to use compact shelving or slim down the material space requirements by eliminating the reporters and utilizing online resources. Since the demand for book use is declining and the trend toward electronic data storage is increasing, the staff decided to utilize electronic legal resources and stationary shelving for all other bound reference materials and periodicals.
The Spacesaver representative worked with the customer to lay out the library in the most efficient manner to maximize the static shelving while maintaining ADA requirements. In the main offices two mobile systems are used to help keep files stored on-site. “We ultimately wanted to image all of the documents, but we need the storage space until that happens,” Kennedy said. “The reality is that we have to store documents on-site. The mobile systems are sturdy and provide the function we need to do that.”
Patents and trademark files are stored in one system and litigation and corporate files are stored in a second mobile system. “We are able to keep more files on-site and that is important because the patent and trademark files are accessed very frequently. Without the compact shelving we would have difficulty being responsive to our clients’ needs today.”
Kennedy explained that while laying out the rooms, Spacesaver space planners worked with the designers to maximize the space utilization using mobile shelving. “We relied on the local Spacesaver representative a great deal to help us out with this project,” he said. “They were very responsive.”
